I like the Randy Winn signing.

Well, the Yankees just signed veteran switch-hitting outfielder Randy Winn to a one-year, $2 million deal. He adds to their outfield depth and will be a speedy bottom of the order bat. I'm not hating this move. Two million for a veteran who can play all three outfield positions and hold his own with the bat isn't bad. Winn had a down year in 2009, but the previous two seasons, he hit over .300, had an OBP above .350, hit a combined 80 doubles and stole 40 out of 45 bases. If he can get close to those numbers, $2 million is a steal. But even if he plays at his 2009 level, it's not awful. A No. 9 hitter who hits .260, steals bases efficiently (16 of 18 in '09) and hits 30+ doubles is more than a lot of teams have.

The main thing that concerns me about Winn's stats from last year is how poorly he fared against left-handed pitching. One of the reasons the Yankees were looking for another bat for the outfield was to platoon with lefty Brett Gardner. They wanted a right-handed (or switch-hitting) bat who could handle southpaws. But Winn was abysmal last season from the right side of the plate. He hit only .158/.184/.200. Gardner, on the other hand, hit an impressive .291/.381/.400, albeit in the small sample size of 65 plate appearances. So, I guess Brian Cashman is counting on last season being an aberration. And there's reason to believe it was, actually. In 2008, Winn hit .289/.343/.470 and smacked 7 of his 10 home runs against lefties. His 2007 numbers were an incredible .351/.399/.535. Again, if 2009 was just a blip on the radar, then Winn could be very effective as Gardner's platoon partner. It just worries me that he dropped off so harshly last season. But hey, Nick Swisher had a bad year in 2008 and then came to New York and raised his OPS 126 points. Maybe Winn can get back to his 2007-2008 form.

Either way, like I said, the Yankees could do a lot worse for $2 million. And they don't need a big slugger in left. They have an All-Star caliber player at ever infield position and in center field, and their DH gets on base like crazy. Gardner is capable with the bat and deadly on the base paths, same with Winn, and Nick Swisher is good for 20+ homers and a high OBP. I think their lineup will be alright.

In fact, I think the Yankee outfield is shaping up to be similar to last year's. They lost Johnny Damon, but they upgraded in center with Curtis Granderson. And Randy Winn is, I would say, about on par with Melky Cabrera offensively. They're both switch-hitters who hit for decent average, and Winn actually stole more bases and hit more doubles and triples last year. So, the offensive production from the outfield should be about the same as in 2009. And the defense will be better. Winn is very good defensively, as is Gardner. Granderson is also an upgrade defensively over Cabrera, and I think Swisher will be better this year, as he seemed to get more comfortable as the season progressed in 2009.

All in all, I think it's a pretty good move. It's good to know New York will have options and depth. Winn is a great defender and a solid bat, especially since he would be batting 8th or 9th. Hopefully, he'll recapture some of his 2007 magic against left-handed pitching.